3 UNH students burned by burst pipe at dorm

DURHAM -- Three University of New Hampshire students suffered “major” burns while evacuating a dormitory that was damaged by hot water from a broken pipe.

UNH spokeswoman Erika Mantz said Hunter Hall was evacuated at 2:30 p.m. Saturday after the burst pipe outside the building, flooding part of the first floor.

She says three female students suffered what are believed to be third-degree burns on their feet while exiting the dorm. They were taken to local hospitals before being transferred to Boston hospitals.The incident caused “major burns” to their feet, said Durham Fire Chief Corey Landry.

Hunter Hall is on campus at 8 Quad Way. It is home to about 115 students.

Students were told they could go back to the building Saturday evening. Hunter, Gibbs and Engelhardt halls, known as the lower quad and on the same system, will have hot water overnight but not heat. Heaters will be set up in the building and crews will repair the broken pipe Sunday.

“I was devastated to learn three of our students suffered serious burns when this pipe failed,” said UNH President Mark Huddleston. “We have reached out to their families and will provide whatever assistance we can to help them through this difficult time.”